Environmental Defence has released a report showing that Canadian babies are being exposed to a slew of chemicals while in the womb, some of which are linked to serious health problems like cancer.
Expectant mothers can't protect themselves and their children from toxic chemicals that are pervasive in our environment and household products. That's why we need to see strong action from government to get toxic chemicals out of products.
Please help by sending a letter to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health and the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment asking for better protection from toxic chemicals for Canadians.
We are startled to learn that Canadian children are born pre-polluted. That's why we're asking Health Canada and Environment Canada to take some crucial steps to improve toxic chemical regulation in Canada.
To better protect all Canadians we ask that you consider:
- Establishing clear, strict timelines for chemicals that have been identified as toxic and for which phase outs have been announced, in order to expedite the removal of these chemicals from the marketplace.
- Testing chemicals used in consumer products to ensure they are safe before they are permitted to be put on the marketplace and sold to Canadians. This would be consistent with the precautionary approach the EU is taking to protect its citizens.
- Studying further the toxic body burden of newborns in Canada, to scientifically assess the scale to which Canadians babies are pre-polluted, and sharing any current research with the public in a timely manner.
[Your comments will go here]
In updating chemical regulation in Canada to quickly remove harmful chemicals, by adopting a precautionary approach to ensure the safety of products, and undertaking research to identify toxic exposures before birth, the government of Canada will be taking steps to better protect the health of all Canadians.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
